- Professional News
- 04 June 2012
Extended duty to provide information in connection with German Internet sales
On 1 August 2012, a new German Act will come into force designed to ensure that, immediately prior to ordering goods on the Internet, the consumer is notified of the most important contractual elements in a clear and accessible manner.
New German legislation implies that the duty of a business to provide information to the consumer in connection with Internet sales is extended as from 1 August 2012.
Immediately prior to the placing of an order, the consumer must be notified in a clear and accessible manner on for example:
- Material features in the product or service
- Minimum term of the contract in connection with purchases of recurring services
- Total price of the good or service, including for example any duties and charges
- Additional costs of delivery and carriage (if any)
In addition, a contract of sale will only be valid provided that the consumer has expressly confirmed by clicking a so-called "button" that he undertakes to pay for the good/service.
(Source: Website of the German Ministry of Justice, May 2012)